A landmark court decision has declared that social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube are addictive, intentionally so. The ruling sees Meta and Google facing hefty fines, potentially marking the end of an era where tech companies operated with impunity.

Dr Mary Franks from George Washington University believes this verdict could be a 'big tobacco' moment for these tech giants. However, while the legal implications are severe, it's worth noting that this doesn't necessarily mean the end of social media; tech companies have a history of resilience in the face of adversity.

The ruling has major consequences for how children use these platforms. In some countries, such as Australia, measures to restrict under-16s from accessing certain social media sites are already being enforced. This shift could see further restrictions globally, reflecting broader concerns about online safety and mental health.

For tech companies, the challenge will be to redesign their platforms without compromising engagement and revenue – a difficult task given that these features are integral to their business models. The future of social media is uncertain but it's clear that this ruling marks a turning point in how we view these technologies.